‘Veronica Mars’ Finale Anniversary: The Top 10 Episodes Of The Beloved Mystery Noir

Veronica Mars fans are a passionate bunch. How passionate, you ask? So much so that they were like, “We will PAY for a movie ourselves if you guys are willing to make it.” Back in 2014, the fervent fanbase (known as “Marshmallows”) got their wish. Veronica and company made a triumphant return as the Veronica Mars film provided an entertaining update on all of our favorite characters.

But let’s chat about the source material, shall we? Can you believe it’s been ten long years to the day since Mars Investigations closed their doors for good? An absorbing combination of humor, heart, and intrigue, Rob Thomas’ beloved teen noir was a unique blend of Holden Caulfield cool and whip-smart intelligence as it championed the outcast. Kristen Bell’s plucky, smartest-person-in-the-room portrayal of Veronica was the backbone of the series, but the show was elevated to a whole new level thanks to its incredible supporting cast that crackled with a seemingly effortless chemistry.

"Papa's Cabin" (S03E15)

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Another day another mystery solved by Veronica Mars.

Season 3 isn’t as well-regarded as its predecessors, but it still delivered many standout episodes. “Papa’s Cabin” puts an end to the confounding case of who killed Dean O’Dell (Ed Begley Jr.). The “gotcha” moment is a wonderfully shot scene filled with escalating tension as it’s slowly revealed that Tim, the assistant to suspected murderer Hank Landry, is the culprit.

This six-episode mini arc wasn’t as intricate as Season 1 or Season 2’s long-form mysteries, but it was still an interesting journey that led to a satisfying conclusion.

"Mars vs. Mars" (S01E14)

A pre Parks and Recreation Adam Scott as a pervy teacher? Blair Waldorf exposing his treacherous ways? Another appearance from Leo “Schmidt from New Girl” D’Amato? During its three season run, Veronica Mars boasted an impressive array of guest stars. Not only is the central mystery of the episode filled with twists and turns, but the case pits father against daughter as the sleuthing Mars family square off in a battle of wits.

One of the touchstones of the series is the sweet but never saccharine relationship between Veronica and her father. Their unmistakable devotion and rapid-fire banter added levity when the seedy reality of the PI game would rear its ugly head.

"Pilot" (S01E01)

“A long time ago, we used to be friends, but I haven’t thought of you lately at all.” Isn’t The Dandy Warhols’ “We Used to be Friends” the absolute perfect theme song for Veronica Mars?

The first episode perfectly sets the table for what’s to come. We’re introduced to Veronica (who immediately solidifies herself as a quick-witted defender of the underdog), learn all about the central mystery (the murder of Amanda Seyfried’s Lilly Kane), and witness the beginning of the endearing friendship between Veronica and Wallace (Percy Daggs III).

The second is the final Veronica/Logan scene of the series. True to character, Logan’s well-meaning yet skewed moral compass leads him into an impulsive, heroic situation that will almost certainly end badly for him… and therein lies the rakish charm of Logan Echolls.

"Un-American Graffiti" (S03E16)

The Dawson to Logan’s Pacey, Chris Lowell’s Piz was a welcome addition to Season 3.

On an intellectual level, the amiable music enthusiast is Veronica’s most reliable romantic option, but chemistry is a silly, silly, inexact science. Featuring the first and second kiss between the eventual couple, “Un-American Graffiti” is a favorite for anyone who’s allegiance lies with Team Piz.

"A Trip to the Dentist" (S01E21)

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Kristen Bell always imbued Veronica with indefatigable charisma, but her performance in “A Trip to the Dentist” is an emotional tour de force. One of the major plots of the season, the mystery surrounding Veronica’s date rape, is (kinda) solved (for now) as one of the major twists of the Lilly Kane murder case (a camera in the ceiling) is revealed. Logan goes from suspected rapist to potential boyfriend material to possible murderer all in the span of 42 minutes.

Also, I always enjoyed this exchange between Logan and Weeval:

Logan: Look, you do not want to start with me today, Paco. Weevil: Are you sure? It was in my day planner under “Goals.”

"Weapons of Class Destruction" (S01E18)

First, this episodes features ’90s icon Jonathan Taylor Thomas in a guest starring role, which immediately propels it into the top ten. He’s the voice of Young Simba, people!

“Weapons of Class Destruction” also features the kiss. That’s right. I used super sexy italics. Logan is Veronica’s dead best friend’s ex boyfriend. Veronica is Logan’s best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The romantic tension? Smoldering. The kiss? Explosive.

“I rewound it and I rewound it and then my wife entered and I have tears in my eyes,” Thomas said. “It was an embarrassing moment that I’m watching my own work and crying … but it just felt so earned to me!”

"Look Who's Stalking" (S02E20)

Whether you’re on Team Logan or Team Piz, all Veronica Mars fans can agree that the classic “epic” speech is one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history. Logan’s vulnerable declaration of love is an authentic representation of the wonderful, maddening, and often times confusing experience of young romance.

“I thought our story was epic, you know? You and me. Spanning years and continents. Lives ruined, bloodshed. EPIC.”

"Not Pictured" (S02E22)

There’s just so much to unpack in this episode. A brilliantly executed mystery finally reaches its surprising climax when we discover that Beaver was responsible for blowing up the school bus. From the climactic battle on the roof to Veronica’s visceral reaction when she believes that Beaver killed her father, it’s an emotional, action-packed finale that provides a fulfilling end to a well-told story.

Plus, shot in 2006, the episode ended up being quite prescient. Here’s a snippet of dialogue in reference to Veronica and her dad taking a trip to New York City.

Keith: You all packed? Veronica: Vagabond shoes and all. And pepper spray. For if we run into that Trump character.

"Leave It to Beaver" (S01E22)

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A lot of our favorite shows feature love triangles, but those programs don’t add a pinch of murder into the mix. Few dramas can craft a season long mystery better than Veronica Mars. Did Logan kill Lilly? Was it her brother Duncan? Nope! Turns out it was Logan’s lunatic dad, Hollywood actor extraordinaire Aaron Echolls (Harry Hamlin).

Featuring the thrilling conclusion to an exceptionally told whodunit, a plethora of memorable “reformed bad boy with a heart of gold” moments from Logan, and a number of emotional Veronica/Keith scenes, “Leave it to Beaver” (a potential future nod to the last episode of Season 2) is still one of the most exciting season finales in TV history. The perfect end to a perfect season.